Christa Pike's Botched Execution

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 22 Oct

   Christa Pike, 50, was hospitalized after surviving two doses of pentobarbital as the state tried to execute her for the 1995 stabbing death of classmate Colleen Slemmer

   4 outlets · Daily Mail
2. 23 Oct

   Execution staff warned of possibility some of Christa Pike's veins had 'blown': attorney

   3 outlets · CBC

Coverage 7 articles

• 23 Oct Christa Pike's attorney describes botched execution, concerns about 'blown' veinsChrista Pike’s execution attempt in Nashville on September 30 was described as botched by her lawyer, Randy Spivey, who witnessed the event. According to Spivey's filing, the Tennessee Department of Correction team struggled for almost an hour to establish IV lines, using about ten needles and expressing concern that Pike's veins were "blown." Despite two doses of pentobarbital being administered, Pike remained…ABC News (US)
• 23 Oct ‘Either blood or blown’: graphic account of botched US executionChrista Pike survived a botched lethal injection attempt during her execution in Tennessee on September 30 for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer. The execution team used about ten needles and struggled with bent equipment, failing multiple times to establish proper IV lines in Pike’s arms before she was injected with two doses of pentobarbital. Her lawyer, Randy Spivey, reported that some veins might have ruptured…South China Morning Post
• 23 Oct Execution staff warned of possibility some of Christa Pike's veins had 'blown': attorneyTennessee execution staff had difficulty establishing working intravenous lines during Christa Pike’s attempted execution and warned that some of her veins may have ruptured, according to a court document filed by attorney Randy Spivey on Thursday. The IV team used about 10 needles and tried several sites in both arms; they struggled even with the last site established, failing multiple times before injecting her…CBC
• 22 Oct Execution staff warned IV site might have 'blown' during Christa Pike's execution attemptChrista Pike’s execution attempt in Tennessee faced significant technical issues as staff members could not successfully establish working intravenous lines for over 10 minutes. Execution team members reportedly used around ten needles and attempted multiple sites on both of Pike's arms, with concerns raised that some veins may have ruptured before the process concluded. Her attorney provided this information in a…Toronto Star
• 22 Oct Christa Pike’s IV team warned vein might be ‘blowing’ before failed executionTennessee’s execution of death row inmate Christa Pike on September 30 faced severe complications when the IV team tasked with setting up an intravenous line struggled for nearly an hour and used up to ten needles. The team expressed concerns multiple times about potentially damaging Pike's vein, but proceeded without confirmation that the needle was properly placed in a vein. After over an hour of attempts, they…The Guardian
• 22 Oct Death row inmate Christa Pike now speaking in full sentences and walking on her own after botched execution for brutal murder of classmate in 1995Christa Pike, a 50-year-old inmate on Tennessee’s death row, survived a botched execution attempt on September 30 after receiving two doses of pentobarbital meant to execute her. She had been sentenced for the brutal murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Since then, Pike has shown significant physical improvement, walking and speaking in full sentences. However, doctors continue to monitor her cognitive and…Daily Mail
• 22 Oct Christa Pike talking in full sentences as she continues to recover from botched executionChrista Pike, a 50-year-old convicted killer, is recovering after surviving a botched lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee on September 30. Since then, her condition has improved significantly; she can now walk with minimal assistance and speak in full sentences. However, medical staff continue to monitor her cognitive and psychological health, as it may take over a month to understand the long-term…New York Post

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